The Appeal Court on Friday sacked the senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Kogi State, Sen. Dino Melaye.
Reacting to the nullification of his election, Melaye said he would surely overcome, as the court has ordered a fresh election.
Making the disclosure via his Twitter handle; @dino_melaye, he wrote: “I just lost my election at the Appeal Court and fresh election ordered. In all things, I give God the praise. He who started the good thing will definitely complete it. I ask my supporters to be law-abiding as we shall always overcome. To God be the Glory.”
Melaye, who was a candidate of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was declared winner of the February Kogi West Senatorial District election, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
However, Smart Adeyemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had challenged Melaye’s victory in court.
Adeyemi challenged Melaye’s victory on three grounds of irregularities, over voting and non-compliance with the electoral acts.
A unanimous judgment, delivered on August 23, by a three-man panel of the election tribunal, led by Justice A. O. Chijioke, accepted Adeyemi’s ground and ordered for a fresh election in the senatorial district.
Melaye had sought an order of the Court of Appeal to allow his appeal, and an order sustaining his objection to the petition or dismissing the petition and confirming his electoral victory.
In the notice of appeal dated September 5, 2019, Melaye raised 23 grounds of appeal, in which he faulted the majority decision of the tribunal.
The Court of Appeal on Friday, however agreed with the tribunal and ordered a fresh election in Kogi West Senatorial District.
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